Question
QUESTION: I had a disc replaced in March 2011.  I was referred to a pain specialist.  After 2 cortisone injections and 2 nerve blocks I was informed that the next step was an ablation for the pain. I had the ablation on Dec. 16th and it has been the most horrific pain I have ever experienced. During the procedure I felt the most severe burning near my implant. I have a needle hole on the implant site. I am afraid that the ablation electrode has burned my tissue by heating my implant...Any thoughts on this.  I see m neurosurgeon on Dec.23rd ..I pray for some relief from this mind twisting pain.
I have DDD and a -3.6 bone density..

ANSWER: I am so sorry to hear about the pain you have been through. I work with a lot of clients who have various types of chronic pain.

I will inform you that I am a licensed massage therapist (which chronic pain myself) but not a physician. My best advice is to try to be patient and wait to see what the neurosurgeon says today.

I do want to tell you this,  while it is a different procedure, I know a number of individuals who have had nerve burns (yes on purpose to reduce the pain). Your description sounds very similar to what they describe the procedure to be like. If this is what happened the pain will go away...but unfortunately it will take awhil.

I'm interested about the needle hole....I guess they  saw it on MRI or XRAYs. Was this before or after the ablation? It sounds like from what you said it was afterwards. Did your doctor have anything to say about the hole?

My mind is spinning on this and I will write again further I just wanted to let you know I did get your message and that those were my initial thoughts. I'll keep brainstorming today. & I'd be interested in what the neurosurgeon says.

Also, is there a different pain center in your area? I know here there are 2 main ones. I happen to go to one but know a lot that go to another and they are really happy there. I don't want to tell you to switch but it might be something to consider. Think about whether you trust your doctors, how much relief you have received or not received. Their job is to help you and while medicine is a science and not perfect I want the best for you as we all want relief or as much that we can. Also remember to *TRY* not to stress yourself out about this. Stress only makes pain worse.  Easier said than done I know. Remember ice is your friend (15 minutes at a time).

I'll write back soon. & please don't hesitate to write more & I will get back to you regardless. Such a difficult time to be in pain this weekend especially.

I will be thinking of you today as you see your neurosurgeon.

All my best,

Jessica

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First thank you for you timely response.  My neurosurgeon seems to think that the electrode was "charged" into scar yissue from my disc replacement. He feels as though I have an infrction in this area...oh boy!..I an having an MRI this morning and see him again tomorrow...Wish me luck..

Lin

Answer
Lin,

OUCH! An infection. Not good and not helpful for pain relief. I will be thinking of you and your doctors that they will be able to rid the area of infection and reduce the terrible pain you are feeling. I've been thinking about you ever since you wrote (had a family emergency and couldn't get back to you sooner).

I hope the MRI is able to provide information to begin getting you down a path that is easier.

As I mentioned I too have chronic pain. I've had to accept some level of pain. I would like to recommend a great support group site (they have groups from dialysis to diabetes to chronic pain and more specific). I have found it to be useful to converse (anonymously) with individuals who have gone through similar things that I have. I have learned a lot about issues that I have or that my family members have. & its very active. People respond to posts. There is even a chat on the site: www.MDJunction.com

If you are interested I can collect my list of my favorite books (or books on tape if reading is too much) that may help you through your current process.

My wish is for some time with less pain on New Years for you!

Feel free to write at any time and I'm interested and care in your wellbeing. It sounds like you have a sharp neurosurgeon. That's definitely a plus!

Jess